How to Find Summer Housing for Internships?

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May 28, 2025

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Landed an awesome internship but freaking out about finding a place to crash? We get it. Navigating summer housing while juggling internship prep is stressful enough without drowning in boring housing jargon. Whether you’re heading to NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago, LA, or San Francisco, we’ve got your back with all the real talk you need to score solid summer student housing without losing your mind (or your savings).

Your Main Questions About Summer Housing Answered:

What is Summer Housing?

Think of summer housing as your temporary home base while you’re conquering the internship world. It’s basically short-term rental arrangements (usually 2-4 months) designed for people who need a place to live during those crucial summer months.

Summer intern housing is huge among college students and young professionals who are ready to take on major cities but don’t want to commit to year-long leases. You’ll find everything from subletting a college kid’s apartment to snagging furnished places from companies that actually get what interns need.

How and where to find Summer Housing?

The hunt is real, but here’s where to look:

June Homes: Flexible leases, fully furnished apartments, and hassle-free move-in.
NYU Off-Campus Housing: Even if you’re not an NYU student, their site has listings for off-campus apartments.
Boston University Off-Campus Housing: Learn more about residence life with BU Housing.
University of Chicago Housing: A Chicago hub for many housing-related processes.
UCSF Housing: Find affordable housing options for students, residents, and trainees at UCSF.
UCLA Housing: For UCLA students, there are different types of rooms and rates.
San Diego State Housing: If you’re looking for on-campus student housing, check the applications and rates.
Subletspots: A platform dedicated to sublets and temporary rentals, perfect for short-term stays.
Roomi: An app for finding roommates and shared housing in the city.

Timing and Availability

When should I start looking for Summer Housing?

Start hunting 2-3 months before you move. For cutthroat markets like NYC summer housing or summer housing in San Francisco, bump that up to 4 months. Most people start searching between February and April for summer gigs starting in May or June. Don’t sleep on this—the good stuff goes fast.

How far in advance do I need to secure a place?

Lock it down at least 6-8 weeks before your start date. Trust us, waiting until the last minute means you’ll end up with whatever’s left (spoiler: it’s usually overpriced and far from everything). Popular spots and budget-friendly options disappear quicker than free pizza at orientation.

What’s the typical lease length for Summer rentals?

Most summer housing deals are 2-4 months, with 3 months being the sweet spot. Some landlords are chill about flexible terms—like 10-12 weeks to match your internship timeline. Just make sure you know the deal about early termination fees before signing anything.

Cost and Budgeting

How much should I expect to pay for Summer Housing?

Real talk on what you’re looking at:

NYC summer housing: $1,400-$2,500/month (yeah, it’s brutal)
Summer housing in Boston: $1,000-$1,800/month
DC summer housing: $950-$2,000/month
Chicago summer housing: $900-$1,800/month
Summer housing in San Francisco: $1,000-$2,200/month
San Diego summer housing: $1,000-$2,000/month
Summer housing in LA: $1,400-$2,500/month

Are Summer rents higher than regular rates?

Unfortunately, yes. Summer rents can be 10-30% higher because everyone and their cousin is looking for the same thing. But here’s the hack: subletting from college students can actually save you money since they’re desperate to cover their year-round lease costs.

What additional costs should I budget for?

Don’t get blindsided by these extras:

Security deposits (usually 1-2 months’ rent—ouch)
Utilities and internet (unless included)
Renter’s insurance (smart move)
Transportation costs (factor this in big time)
Furnishing costs if you’re going unfurnished (spoiler: don’t)

Is it cheaper to sublet or find a short-term rental?

Subletting from students = cheaper but potentially sketchy. Professional short-term rentals = more expensive but way less stress and actual customer service when things go wrong. Pick your poison based on your risk tolerance and budget.

Types of Housing for Internships

Should I look for a sublet, short-term rental, or temporary housing?

Sublets are perfect if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind rolling the dice a bit. Short-term rentals cost more but give you peace of mind and actual support. Temporary housing offers max flexibility but will hit your wallet hard.

What’s the difference between subletting and month-to-month rentals?

Subletting means you’re renting from another renter (they’re still on the hook for the lease). Month-to-month puts you directly with the landlord or property company. Month-to-month usually means better legal protection, but good luck finding one.

Are furnished or unfurnished places better for short stays?

Furnished, 100%. You’re not moving your life across the country for three months. Yes, furnished costs more upfront, but you’ll save your sanity and money not having to buy a bed, desk, and couch just to sell them again in August.

Logistics and Paperwork

What documents do I need to secure Summer Housing?

Get these ready before you start hunting:

Photo ID (obviously)
Internship offer letter (proof you’re not just wandering around)
Bank statements or proof of income
References (previous landlords or someone who can vouch you’re not terrible)
Credit report (if they ask)
Guarantor info (sadly, probably needed)

Do I need a guarantor or co-signer for short-term rentals?

Probably, especially if you’re a student or have limited credit history. Your guarantor typically needs to make 40-80 times the monthly rent annually (yeah, it’s a lot). Start that conversation with your parents early—it’s awkward but necessary.

How do security deposits work for Summer rentals?

Security deposits usually equal 1-2 months’ rent (we know, it hurts). Take photos of everything when you move in, and understand exactly what you need to do to get that money back. Some companies offer alternatives or lower deposits for short-term stays.

FAQ on How to Find Summer Housing in NYC

NYC is where dreams come true and bank accounts go to die. The housing market is absolutely insane, but don’t panic. Look beyond Manhattan—Queens and Brooklyn have way better deals and the subway can get you anywhere. Check if your company has intern housing programs before you dive into the general market.

For the full NYC breakdown with neighborhood guides and insider secrets, check out our detailed guide: Intern Housing in NYC.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in New York City:

FAQ on How to find Summer Housing in Boston

Should I look near universities or downtown?

Both have their perks. University areas like Cambridge are where the action is—tons of students, great food, and summer housing in Boston gets way more available when everyone leaves. Downtown is closer to corporate internships but costs more.

How does student housing availability affect summer options?

This is your secret weapon. Boston’s massive student population means tons of subletting opportunities from May through August. Students are literally throwing deals at you because they need someone to cover rent. Start looking in March when they start planning their summer exodus.

Hit up Cambridge, Somerville, and Allston-Brighton for the best bang for your buck. The T makes getting around pretty easy from most spots.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in Boston:

FAQ on How to find Summer Housing in Washington DC

Which neighborhoods are metro-accessible?

Stick to Metro-adjacent areas: Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Arlington, and Silver Spring are your friends. DC summer housing near Metro lines will save your life and your Uber budget.

Is it better to live in DC proper or Virginia/Maryland suburbs?

DC proper = shorter commutes and city vibes but higher costs. Virginia spots like Arlington and Alexandria give you solid value with Metro access. Maryland suburbs like Silver Spring and Bethesda offer more space without breaking the bank.

Is there summer housing near Capitol Hill or internship hubs?

Absolutely. Capitol Hill and downtown DC are packed with summer intern housing, though your wallet will feel it. Lots of government internship programs offer housing help or at least point you in the right direction.

Are there affordable short-term rentals close to Metro lines?

Georgetown summer housing and spots along the Red and Orange lines offer the best balance. Look for house shares in residential neighborhoods with solid Metro connections.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in Washington D.C.:

FAQ on How to find Summer Housing in Chicago

Which neighborhoods are safe for young professionals?

Lincoln Park, Lakeview, River North, and the Loop are where you want to be for Chicago summer intern housing. Good food, nightlife, and transportation without sketchy vibes.

Are sublets common during the summer in Chicago?

Super common, especially from University of Chicago, Northwestern, and other local college students. Chicago summer housing opens up big time when students bounce for summer.

Which neighborhoods are safest for summer stays?

Stay near the L train lines in well-lit areas. Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and areas north of downtown are your safest bets for summer housing in Chicago.

Does summer housing include AC (given hot summers)?

Always, always check this. Chicago summers are brutal—hot and humid like you wouldn’t believe. Lots of older buildings don’t have central air, so make sure there’s at least window units or you’ll be miserable.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in Chicago:

FAQ on How to find Summer Housing in San Francisco

How do I find anything affordable?

Plot twist: look outside the city. Oakland, Berkeley, and South Bay areas won’t destroy your budget. Get ready to share space and be flexible about location for summer housing in San Francisco.

Which neighborhoods are tech-worker friendly?

SOMA, Mission Bay, and anywhere with good Caltrain or BART access work great for tech internships. The Mission and Castro have amazing communities for young professionals.

Is Oakland a viable alternative?

100% yes. Oakland is way more affordable with BART access to SF. Tons of tech workers live there and commute across the bay—it’s actually pretty cool and way less pretentious.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in San Francisco:

FAQ on How to find Summer Housing in San Diego

Should I prioritize beach proximity or downtown access?

Think about your internship location first. Working downtown? Little Italy, Hillcrest, or East Village put you in the action. Want that beach life? Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are amazing but your commute might suck.

How does the cost compare to other California cities?

San Diego summer housing is cheaper than SF or LA but still pricier than most places. Budget $800-$1,800/month for shared places, with beach spots costing extra (obviously).

Check out summer housing UCSD if you’re doing biotech or research—lots of companies cluster around the university area.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in San Diego:

FAQ on How to find Summer Housing in Los Angeles

Do I need a car to live in LA?

Short answer: yes. Long answer: absolutely yes. LA is sprawling chaos without a car. Factor car rental or buying into your housing budget.

Which areas have the best work commutes?

Figure out where you’re working first. Hollywood and West Hollywood for entertainment, Downtown LA for finance and corporate stuff. Traffic is a nightmare, so location is everything.

How do I navigate the sprawling layout?

Use traffic apps religiously and plan your housing search around your commute. A 10-mile drive can take 45+ minutes during rush hour (it’s actually insane).

Is summer housing close to the beach available?

Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach offer beach vibes but cost a fortune and might leave you with brutal commutes. Weigh beach access against practical stuff like actually getting to work.

How bad is traffic for summer renters without a car?

LA traffic is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Public transit exists but it’s limited. Budget for rideshares or car access unless you want to spend your summer in traffic hell.

Are utilities like AC or parking typically included?

Always ask. LA summers are hot and parking can cost $100+ monthly in cool areas. Get this stuff in writing.

Find apartments and flexible room leases for Student Housing in Los Angeles:

Is it cheaper to live On or Off Campus?

You can check here our article comparing costs for living on or off campus, where we explore the pros and cons of each choice.

Beyond the savings, off-campus living offers the flexibility and independence that many summer interns already experienced during their housing search. You’ll get more privacy, real-world budgeting experience, and the freedom to choose your location and lease terms—skills that definitely come in handy when you’re navigating summer intern housing markets.

While dorms provide built-in community and convenience, students who’ve successfully managed summer housing often find the transition to off-campus living during the school year feels natural and financially smarter.

With convenient locations near major universities and city centers, June Homes offers flexible, student-friendly housing in top cities like New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Choose from fully furnished rooms in shared apartments, with flexible lease terms designed to fit your summer plans—no long-term commitment, no dorm room hassle.

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June Homes Team

The June Homes Team is here to help with all your rental needs. We’re passionate about sharing useful advice and details on everything you need to know. From picking the right neighborhood and understanding tenant rights to tips on moving, decorating, and saving on rent, our articles offer clear and practical guidance. Trust us for straightforward, helpful information to make your rental experience smooth and successful.

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